Weekly Participant Newsletter
Welcome to CWEE’s Community Connections for the week of October 26, 2026 for program participants.
Programming Information:
CWEE’s Address:
1175 Osage St, Ste 300 Denver, CO 80204
Onsite Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CWEE’s physical office is closed on Fridays, including the resource room.
CWEE’s Educational Pathway Programs: For more information, contact Megan Smith.
Need to connect with your Program Advisor? Schedule a time to meet in-person at CWEE.
Career Readiness Programming: Our program is a 12-day in-person program that will provide engaging and supportive classes focused on digital literacy, job readiness, and social emotional learning. Contact your Program Advisor if you’d like to learn more!
Reminders & Announcements
CWEE will be closed on Friday, 10/30.
Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Ends 11/1
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, 11/1, when Daylight Saving Time ends. Clocks will “fall back” from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., giving us an extra hour!
Now Available! Mama Pod for Nursing Parents
You may notice a new addition to the participant break room on the second floor! A Mama Pod Lactation Room is now available to provide a private space for pumping and feeding infants. We’re excited to offer this new resource to our participants!
Timesheet Reminder
Don’t forget! Timesheets are due at the end of each month. You can fill out your timesheet anytime using the link below. If you have any questions, please contact your Program Advisor for support.
Submit Timesheet
Celebrations
We are excited to recognize the hard work and achievements of our participants. Congratulations!
GED Tests: Jenifer Soto Talamantes passed the Social Studies test!
The following participants are now employed:
- Ariana Ybarra
- Korey Speer
Join Us for a Celebration
We’ll present STAR Awards and share poems and special shoutouts to recognize the great work happening across our CWEE community – and enjoy some lunch! Participants are welcome to write a note to their Program Advisor or share a poem or message to be read during the event. All participants and staff are invited to attend.
When: Thursday, 11/5 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: At CWEE – 3rd Floor
CWEE Happenings
Get Ready to Vote!
Election Day is Tuesday, 11/3! Ballots were mailed to all registered voters. Anyone who has not received a ballot can contact their local Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) for assistance.
*IMPORTANT* Voters do not have to complete every race or ballot measure. You can leave selections blank and vote on the issues you feel informed about. Voting early, checking facts through trusted sources, and helping others access reliable voting information all make a difference.
Stop by CWEE’s Voter Information Table in the 3rd floor lobby to check your registration status, find polling locations, update information, and access nonpartisan resources.
Can’t stop by? Find helpful voting information at this link. Make a plan to vote! Every vote counts.
Childcare Workshop
Is a lack of childcare getting in the way of your goals? Join us at CWEE for our new Childcare Workshop! We’ll explore childcare options for children of all ages and connect you with organizations that can help you find quality, affordable childcare. We’ll learn about:
- Affordable childcare resources
- Public, private, and community-based care options
- Organizations that support parents
- Connecting with other parents for support
- Tips for navigating the challenges of arranging childcare
Come get resources, share experiences, and support from parents who get it! Upcoming Dates: 10/29, 12/3; All sessions are on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CWEE.
Resources Workshops: Transportation and Housing
CWEE is hosting workshops designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen skills, and connect with valuable community resources. Led by Renee Kleck, CWEE’s Social Emotional Learning Facilitator, these sessions will focus on self-advocacy, communication, and self-regulation while exploring topics such as housing resources and transportation options, including navigating public transit and learning about RTD bus passes. Each workshop highlights a different resource area, giving participants the tools and knowledge to access support. All participants are welcome to join! All sessions are 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Drop In Support from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m at CWEE. RSVP to rkleck@cwee.org.
Upcoming Dates:
- 11/5 Housing options will be discussed.
- 11/19 Transportation options will be discussed.
- 12/10 Housing options will be discussed.
Post Career Readiness Support Labs
These guided labs provide hands-on job search support for participants who have completed Career Kickstart or Career Readiness and are seeking further education and/or employment opportunities. The CWEE Education & Employment team will be available to help with applications, job search strategies, and overcoming barriers. Participants can attend one or multiple sessions based on needs. Tuesday, 11/10 and Wednesday, 11/18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CWEE.
Parent Support Group
For Families of Children Receiving Special Education Services:
Do you have a child with an IEP, 504 Plan, or who receives services like Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), or Speech Therapy (ST)? You are not alone.
Join us at CWEE for a welcoming space to:
- Connect with other families who understand your journey
- Share experiences, challenges, and successes
- Learn from one another and access helpful resources
- Build a supportive community
Who is this for? Parents, caregivers, and family members of children receiving special education services.
Where & When: This group will gather on Wednesday, 11/4 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wellness Suite on CWEE’s 2nd floor, straight ahead when you exit the elevator.
What to expect: A relaxed, judgment-free environment where you can talk, listen, and feel supported. Lunch is provided, and infants may come with their caregiver.
Facilitated by: Renee Kleck, Social Emotional Learning Facilitator at CWEE. Renee brings both professional and personal experience as a former Special Education teacher and as a parent of a child with an IEP. Contact Renee if you have any questions at rkleck@cwee.org.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Come build community with us.
CWEE’s Peer Support Group
Looking for a space to connect? CWEE is hosting a drop-in Peer Support Group for participants facilitated by Renee, CWEE’s Social Emotional Learning Facilitator. This is a confidential and welcoming space to share what’s on your mind, swap resources, and support one another. Come as you are. And yes, there will be pizza! All participants are welcome. Childcare isn’t available, but parents can bring their infants. If you can’t make every session, that’s okay. Drop by the CWEE Wellness Suite on the 2nd floor when you can. Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.; Upcoming Dates: Wednesdays – 11/18, 11/25, 12/9, 12/16 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Find Support with CWEE Counseling
Did you know that CWEE’s Wellness Team offers FREE individual, family, and couples therapy for current and former participants, including participants who recently transferred back to Denver county?
Our experienced and trauma-informed therapists are available to support you with managing stress, healing from trauma, strengthening relationships, improving communication, and building healthy coping skills. Getting started is easy. Simply click the link below or scan the QR code on the attached flyer to complete a counseling request form, or ask any CWEE staff member for a referral. A member of our Wellness Team will reach out to discuss counseling options and help connect you with the support that best meets your needs.
You can find more information about our counseling services by clicking here to view our flyer. To get started, complete this short form, and we’ll be in touch!
This Week’s Featured Resources
Launch a Career in Tech with Free Coding Classes!
Applications for Code the Dream’s Spring 2027 classes are open, but the deadline is fast approaching: Sunday, 11/1! Adults 18+ can apply for free, remote coding classes that open doors to exciting tech careers. Graduates may qualify for a paid apprenticeship to build skills for software development and data engineering roles. Don’t miss this opportunity toward a tech career!
LEARN MORE
Find Free Thanksgiving Meals and Food Giveaways
Everyone deserves to enjoy a warm meal and share special moments with loved ones during the holidays. Local organizations and community groups are offering free Thanksgiving meals, turkey giveaways, and grocery distributions to help individuals and families celebrate the season. Many programs require advance registration, so explore the available opportunities and sign up early for giveaways and free meals.
LEARN MORE
Taller de QuickBooks 11/11
¡Únase al Bootcamp de QuickBooks presencial de Mi Casa y aprenda a administrar las finanzas de su negocio, registrar ingresos y gastos, y crear informes financieros! Por $75, recibe QuickBooks por 12 meses.
Join Mi Casa’s in-person QuickBooks Bootcamp on Wednesday, 11/11 and learn to manage finances, track income and expenses, and create financial reports. For $75, you’ll receive QuickBooks for 12 mos.
LEARN MORE
Aurora Mobile Food Market
We Don’t Waste is hosting a mobile food market on Friday, 10/30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Aurora Centrepoint Medical Offices, 14701 E. Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012. The walk-through distribution offers free food to everyone in the community. Appointments are REQUIRED. Registration opens Thursday, 10/29. Use the Plentiful app to book your appointment or call 720-943-2699.
LEARN MORE
Free English Classes Starting in January for Adults
MSU Denver is accepting registrations for their free English (ESL) classes running 1/6 through 3/19. Classes require at least 8 hours per week. A free Early Family Literacy program is available for children ages 1–7 while parents attend class. Start by completing the pre-registration form, then watch for an email invitation to an in-person session. Be sure to review the full requirements below. Additional Information: English | Espanol
LEARN MORE
Join the National Western Stock Show Team
Be part of one of Colorado’s most iconic traditions by joining the team behind the National Western Stock Show! Whether you’re looking for seasonal work, hands-on event experience, or your next career opportunity, you can help create unforgettable experiences for visitors. Work alongside a dedicated team celebrating Western heritage, agriculture, and community. The 2027 National Western Stock Show runs 1/9 through 1/24. Don’t miss out!
LEARN MORE
FAFSA Applications Are Open!
Students can now complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal, state, and college financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Completing the application typically takes 12 minutes or less, and you must submit a new FAFSA each year to continue being considered for aid. Some financial aid is limited, so check your school’s deadline and apply early! Federal Deadline: 6/30/27, College Deadline: Check with your school
LEARN MORE
Just for Kids
Mile High Trunk-or-Treat 2026
Families are invited to the 3rd Annual Mile High Trunk or Treat on Thursday, 10/29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Empower Field at Mile High, Parking Lot C, in Denver. Presented by the Denver Police Foundation, the Denver Police Department, and community partners, this FREE event features treats, decorated trunks, costume contests, prizes, face painting, balloons, pumpkin decorating, live entertainment, and more! Everyone must register and have an individual ticket, including children. Reserve your spot at the link below!
LEARN MORE
Free Halloween Family Fun!
The City of Aurora invites families to a FREE Halloween community resource fair on Saturday, 10/31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ABC Community Hub. The event will offer pumpkins, candy, and prizes! Costumes are encouraged! Families can also connect with helpful community resources, including health screenings, food assistance, housing support, and more.
LEARN MORE
Meet & Greet with Elsa & Olaf!
Families are invited to Town Center at Aurora for a magical afternoon with Elsa and Olaf! Kids can meet their favorite characters, take photos, and enjoy interactive fun at this FREE, family-friendly event on Sunday, 11/1 from 1–3 p.m. Bundle up for an afternoon of winter magic!
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Trunk-or-Treat at First Steps Pediatric Therapy – Centennial!
First Steps Pediatric Therapy Inc. invites families of all ages to a free, sensory-friendly community event on Thursday, 10/29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 15530 E. Broncos Parkway, Suite 100, Centennial, CO 80112. Enjoy games, activities, crafts, prizes, and fun in a welcoming environment. All ages and abilities are welcome to join the festivities and make wonderful memories together!
LEARN MORE
Need more support?
Find additional food, clothing, and community resources on our Community Resources page.
You can always contact your CWEE Program Advisor.
Call 2-1-1 at any time to talk to someone who can connect you to more resources.
CWEE Contact Information
Click here for a list of departments at CWEE, phone numbers, and email addresses.